YEAR 12 ECOSYSTEMS FIELDWORK

This project will form the third unit for AS geography. It represents 30% of the AS specification and is due for completion post Easter. The project will be based upon primary data collected during group fieldwork (referred to as ‘Centre –directed' in specifications). However, the write up must be individual. Candidates must follow the outline and guidance given below. Higher grades will need to show evidence of using own ideas and extension tasks.

Structure of Fieldwork Report

AIM

Here candidates must discuss what the project is trying to achieve (aim), and how it will be achieved (objectives). The aims and objectives must be clearly stated.

In addition, a clear and comprehensive discussion of Psammoseres and their relevance to the local area and wider geographical issues should be discussed.

METHOD

Here a detailed description of the data collection and techniques used should be given.

TABLE OF RESULTS

Candidates to use prepared table. If candidates are to complete extension work they must prepare their own table.

PRESENTATIOIN OF RESULTS

Here candidates must organise and present their results in appropriate cartographic and diagrammatic forms. Marks will be allocated for the choice (justification must be made), quality, and accuracy of techniques used.

ANALYSIS OF RESLUTS

Here candidates must interpret information and draw conclusions. Candidates must show evidence of applying appropriate statistical measures, e.g. spearman rank, chi –square, for a number of variables or slope angles. Marks will be allocated for choice (justification must be made), quality, and accuracy of interpretation.

CONCLUSIONS

Here candidates must ‘tie-in' their ideas with interpretations from section above. Again the depth and quality of your conclusion will allow allocation of higher marks. Candidates will need to relate your own findings to wider theories of psammsoers within geography

This section is vital for access to higher grades.

EVALUATION

Here candidates must evaluate the whole project. Candidates will need to:

•  Explain how their own project contributes to the theory and the topic;

•  Establish the limitations of the sequence of enquiry and data collection;

•  Discuss the limitations of the evidence;

•  Suggest and discuss scope for further investigations.

Presentation

The project must be word-processed. The investigation should be 2000 words long, too long and the project may be marked down. To ease the number of words, pupils are encouraged to annotate graphs, maps, diagrams etc. There should be evidence of hand drawn maps and graphs etc. as well as use of IT, in presentation of results.

Allocation of Marks